Method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid for use in a vape device

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an industrial scale manufacturing process for making vape oil containing a cannabinoid, where the vape oil has a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vape device with the dilution of a cannabinoid source with an additive to obtain such viscosity while avoiding reducing the flash point of the mixture below the vaporization temperature of the cannabinoid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Canadian patentapplication serial number 3,024,052 filed on Nov. 13, 2018, Canadianpatent application serial number 3,024,431 filed on Nov. 15, 2018,Canadian patent application serial number 3,024,645 filed on Nov. 19,2018. The contents of each of the above-referenced documents areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to the field of manufacturing vapeoil including a cannabinoid for use in a vape device.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, electronic vape devices utilize a liquid supplyreservoir that contains a liquid material. The liquid material is drawntoward a heater via a wick, where the heater vaporizes the liquidmaterial, and the vaporized liquid is entrained in an air flow that isdischarged into a vaper's mouth for consumption and ultimately for adesired physiological effect.

In order for the liquid material to properly operate in the vape device,the liquid material must have properties, which are suitable for theliquid to vaporize, namely the liquid must have a proper viscosity suchthat it can be adequately metered to the hearing element by thecapillary action of the wick. For instance, a liquid that is too viscouswill not function well because the wick will have difficultytransferring the liquid to the heating element.

This viscosity requirement for proper operation of the vape device is animportant factor that currently limits the effectiveness of vape oils inthe recreational or medicinal vaping Cannabis industry. Indeed,viscosity of the active ingredient (i.e., cannabinoid) source materialis typically high due to the inherent physicochemical properties of thesource material components, and as such, one must dilute the cannabinoidsource material in a proper solvent (e.g., carrier oils, polyethyleneglycol, etc.), often in large proportions in order to obtain a viscositywhich is suitable for proper operation of the vape device.

A number of liquid material formulations have been proposed for use invape devices, in particular in connection with the nicotine market(e-cigarettes). However, such formulations are not easily transferableinto other markets, such as the Cannabis vaping market. While some sortof thinning agent is required for Cannabis concentrates, which typicallyhave a viscosity which is too high for use in vape devices, commonthinning agents used in the nicotine market have been reported asnegatively affecting the organoleptic properties of Cannabisconcentrates and/or causing serious health issues.

This deficiency of vape oils including a cannabinoid for use in a vapedevice is not an issue in other forms of Cannabis consumption, such asingestible oils, where viscosity is not a key factor for the Cannabisoil formulation. For instance, it is simple for the person consuming theoil orally to adjust the amount of oil ingested according to desiredcannabinoid intake. So, if the oil is of relatively low cannabinoidconcentration, the person can take a little more to achieve the desiredeffect, without much inconvenience. Alternatively, the oil can be mademore viscous to increase the cannabinoid concentration, which from theperspective of oral ingestion is not a problem.

However, when the vape oils including a cannabinoid is vaporized andinhaled, the user experience is different and the cannabinoidconcentration matters to achieve the desired physical effect, which theuser typically correlates to a number of puffs. Users generally desireto obtain a quick effect with the minimum number of puffs; hence vapeoil with a high cannabinoid concentration is desired.

Despite the widespread population of vaping, effective and safe vapeoils with high concentrations of a cannabinoid for use in a vape devicehave remained elusive.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, the vapeoil having a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapedevice, the method comprising: (a) selecting a cannabinoid sourceincluding a cannabinoid, the cannabinoid having a vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in the vape device and having a flash point above thevaporization temperature; (b) selecting an additive having a viscositybelow the vape oil viscosity and having a flash point below thevaporization temperature, the additive operating to lower the viscosityof the cannabinoid source and operating to lower a flash point of amixture of the cannabinoid source and the additive; (c) determining aconcentration of additive that (i) will reduce the viscosity of thecannabinoid source sufficiently low for the mixture to be suitable foruse in the vape device and (ii) while avoiding reducing the flash pointof the mixture below the vaporization temperature; and (d) mixing thecannabinoid source of a) and the additive of b) on the basis of theconcentration determined in c) to obtain the vape oil.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, the vapeoil having a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapedevice, the method comprising: (a) selecting a cannabinoid sourceincluding the cannabinoid, the cannabinoid having a vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in the vape device and having a flash point above thevaporization temperature; (b) selecting a terpene having a viscositybelow the viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in the vapedevice and having a flash point below the vaporization temperature, theterpene operating to lower the viscosity of the cannabinoid source andoperating to lower a flash point of a mixture of the cannabinoid sourceand the terpene; (c) determining a concentration of terpene that (i)will reduce the viscosity of the cannabinoid source sufficiently low forthe mixture to be suitable for use in the vape device and (ii) whileavoiding reducing the flash point of the mixture below the vaporizationtemperature; and (d) mixing the cannabinoid source of (a) and theterpene of (b) on the basis of the concentration determined in (c) toobtain the vape oil.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method for manufacturing a vape cartridge for a vape device, themethod comprising: a) providing a vape cartridge including: (i) anunfilled reservoir for receiving a vape oil containing a cannabinoidcharacterized by a vaporization temperature; (ii) vaporization meansconfigured to achieve vaporization of the cannabinoid wherein the vapeoil supplied to the vaporization means has a viscosity at roomtemperature that does not exceed a predetermined viscosity threshold;(b) formulating vape oil according to the viscosity threshold such thatthe vape oil is suitable for use in the vape cartridge, the formulatingincluding: (i) selecting a cannabinoid source including the cannabinoid,the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at room temperature which isabove the viscosity threshold; (ii) selecting an additive having aviscosity below the viscosity threshold and having a flash point belowthe vaporization temperature, the additive operating to lower theviscosity of the cannabinoid source and operating to lower a flash pointof a mixture of the cannabinoid source and additive; and (iii)determining a concentration of the additive required to simultaneouslyachieve: 1) a mixture viscosity at room temperature at or below theviscosity threshold; 2) a mixture flashpoint above the vaporizationtemperature; (iv) mixing the cannabinoid source of b) (i) and theadditive of b) (ii) on the basis of the concentration determined in b)(iii) to obtain the vape oil; and c) filling the reservoir with the vapeoil of b) (iv).

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method for manufacturing a vape cartridge for vaping vape oilcontaining a cannabinoid, the method comprising, a) selecting acannabinoid to vape in a range of cannabinoids that can be vaped, theselected cannabinoid being characterized by a vaporization temperature,b) providing the vape cartridge including. (i) an unfilled liquidreservoir configured to be filled with vape oil containing thecannabinoid; (ii) vaporization means configured to achieve vaporizationof the cannabinoid when the vape oil supplied to the vaporization meanshas a viscosity at room temperature that does not exceed a predeterminedthreshold viscosity; c) formulating the vpe oil according to theviscosity threshold such that the vape oil is suitable for use in thevape cartridge, the formulating including: (i) selecting a cannabinoidsource including the selected cannabinoid, the cannabinoid source havinga viscosity at room temperature which is above the viscosity threshold;(ii) selecting an additive having a viscosity below the viscositythreshold and having a flash point below the vaporization temperature,the additive operating to lower the viscosity of the cannabinoid sourceand operating to lower a flash point of a mixture of the cannabinoidsource and additive; (iii) determining a concentration of the additiverequired to simultaneously achieve: 1) a mixture viscosity at roomtemperature at or below the viscosity threshold; 2) a mixture flashpointabove the vaporization temperature; (iv) mixing the cannabinoid sourceof c) (i) and the additive of c) (ii) on the basis of the concentrationdetermined in c) (iii) to obtain the vape oil; and d) filling thereservoir with the vape oil of c) (iv).

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, the vapeoil having a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapingdevice, the method comprising: a) selecting a cannabinoid sourceincluding the cannabinoid, the cannabinoid having a vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in a vaping device, and having a flash point above thevaporization temperature; b) selecting an additive having a viscositybelow the viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapingdevice and having a flash point below the vaporization temperature, theadditive operating to lower the viscosity of the cannabinoid source andoperating to lower a flash point of a mixture of the cannabinoid sourceand additive; c) detennining a range of concentrations of additive that(i) will reduce the viscosity of the cannabinoid source sufficiently forthe mixture to be suitable for use in the vape device and (i) whileavoiding reducing the flash point of the mixture below the vaporizationtemperature; d) selecting a particular concentration of additive in therange of concentrations; and e) mixing the cannabinoid source of a) andthe additive of b) on the basis of the concentration in d) to obtain thevape oil.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, the vapeoil having a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapedevice, the method comprising: (a) selecting a cannabinoid sourceincluding a cannabinoid, the cannabinoid having a vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in the vape device and having a flash point above thevaporization temperature; (b) selecting an additive having a viscositybelow the vape oil viscosity and having a flash point below thevaporization temperature, the additive operating to lower the viscosityof the cannabinoid source and operating to lower a flash point of amixture of the cannabinoid source and the additive; (c) mixing thecannabinoid source of a) and the additive of b) m proportions such thatthe additive is in a concentration that (i) will reduce the viscosity ofthe cannabinoid source sufficiently low for the mixture to be suitablefor use in the vape device and (ii) while avoiding reducing the flashpoint of the mixture below the vaporization temperature.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relatesto a method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, where thevape oil is advantageously free of conventional thinning agents, such asfor example Vitamin E, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), VegetableGlycerin (VG), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Propylene Glycol (PG).

Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the herein described methods mayhave one or more of the following features, in any possible combination:

-   -   The vaporization means includes a ceramic core;    -   the vape oil includes cannabidiol (CBD);    -   the vape oil includes ≥400 mg/ml of CBD, ≥550 mg/ml of CBD, ≥650        mg/ml of CBD;    -   the vape oil includes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC);    -   the vape oil includes ≥400 mg/ml of THC, ≥550 mg/ml of THC, ≥650        mg/ml of THC;    -   the vape oil includes ≤30 mg/ml THC;    -   the cannabinoid source is in a proportion of ≥40 wt. % relative        to total weight of the vape oil;    -   the additive is an oil of plant origin;    -   the oil of plant origin includes a terpene;    -   the vaporization temperature is above 200° F.;    -   the mixing is performed at room temperature without hearing,    -   the method further comprises incorporating a volume of the vape        oil into a reservoir of a vape cartridge or a vape pen;    -   the vape cartridge includes a connector at one end thereof to        engage with a battery compartment of a vape device;    -   the connector is a 510 thread;    -   the vape cartridge or vape pen comprises a ceramic core for        vaporizing the vape oil;    -   the viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in the vape        device is ≤110 000 mPa-s;    -   the vape oil includes more than one cannabinoid; and    -   the vape oil includes more than one terpene.

All features of exemplary embodiments which are described in thisdisclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with oneanother. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized in the otherembodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features of thepresent invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled inthe art upon review of the following description of specific embodimentsin conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of specific exemplary embodiments is providedherein below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cartridge component of an electronic vapedevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a battery compartment component of anelectronic vape device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a vape device in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example vape device tank including aceramic core in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a vapeoil including a cannabinoid in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a vapeoil including a cannabinoid in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a step of the process of FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way ofexample. It is to be expressly understood that the description anddrawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodimentsand are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be adefinition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate theprinciples of the invention. The invention is described in connectionwith such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to anyembodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Thesedetails are provided for the purpose of non-limiting examples and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhas not been described in detail so that the invention is notunnecessarily obscured.

The present inventors have through extensive R&D work surprisingly andunexpectedly discovered an industrial scale process for producing a vapeoil, which is safer for use in a vape device. More particularly, thevape oil is manufactured while taking into account the vape deviceoperating parameters and the vape oil constituent physicochemicalproperties in order to obtain a vape oil with suitable viscosity andflash point, as is further described in the specification.

Advantageously, the vape oil is free of PEG, VG, PG, MCT and/or VitaminE.

Generally speaking, several options exist to obtain the herein describedvape oil.

In one broad non-limiting practical implementation, one can dilute acannabinoid source having a viscosity at room temperature which is abovethe vape device operating viscosity threshold to the point of obtaininga desired viscosity below the vape device operating viscosity threshold.Dilution of the cannabinoid source is performed with an additive, wherethe additive operates to reduce the viscosity of a mixture of thecannabinoid source and the additive. In particular, the additive ischaracterized as having a flash point which is below the vape deviceoperating vaporization temperature. The vape device operatingvaporization temperature, in turn, is typically configured to providesufficient energy to vaporize the cannabinoid present in the vape oil soas to provide the desired user experience after at least one puff event.The proportions of cannabinoid source and additive being mixed isselected such that the mixture has a viscosity below the vape deviceoperating viscosity threshold while maintaining a flash point above thevaporization temperature.

In another broad non-limiting practical implementation, one can dilute afirst cannabinoid source having a first viscosity at room temperatureand at least a second cannabinoid source having a second viscosity atroom temperature, where both the first and second viscosities are abovethe vape device operating viscosity threshold, and where the first andsecond viscosities are different one from another. Dilution of the firstand second cannabinoid sources is performed with an additive to thepoint of obtaining a desired viscosity below the vape device operatingviscosity threshold. The additive operates to reduce the viscosity of amixture of the first and second cannabinoid sources and the additive. Inparticular, the additive is characterized as having a flash point whichis below the vape device operating vaporization temperature. The vapedevice operating vaporization temperature, in turn, is typicallyconfigured to provide sufficient energy to vaporize the cannabinoidpresent in the vape oil so as to provide the desired user experienceafter at least one puff event. The proportions of the first and secondcannabinoid sources and additive being mixed is selected such that themixture has a viscosity below the vape device operating viscositythreshold while maintaining a flash point above the vaporizationtemperature.

For example, the first cannabinoid source may include a CBD distillateoil and the second cannabinoid source may include a THC distillate oil.In such cases, the CBD distillate oil can be characterized with aviscosity at 25° C. and γ′=10.0*1/s which is about 40 000 mPa-s and theTHC distillate oil can be characterized with a viscosity at 25° C. andβ′=10.0*1/s which is at least 200 000 mPa-s. The proportions of firstcannabinoid source to second cannabinoid source thus impacts on theoverall viscosity of the mixture thereof, which then also impacts howmuch additive is required to dilute to the point of obtaining a desiredviscosity for the vape oil which is below the vape device operatingviscosity threshold.

In another broad non-limiting practical implementation, one can receivea request for a given vape oil profile. Based on the request, oneselects at least one cannabinoid source and at least one additive. Thecannabinoid source is characterized with a viscosity at room temperaturewhich is above the vape device operating viscosity threshold and thusrequires dilution to the point of obtaining a desired viscosity belowthe vape device operating viscosity threshold. Because one may wish toavoid the use of PEG, MCT, VG, PG and Vitamin E as thinning agent, oneselects an additive which is not of the aforementioned thinning agentswhere the additive operates to reduce the viscosity of a mixture of thecannabinoid source and the additive. In particular, the additive ischaracterized as having a flash point which is below the vape deviceoperating vaporization temperature. The vape device operatingvaporization temperature, in turn, is typically configured to providesufficient energy to vaporize the cannabinoid present in the vape oilprofile so as to provide the desired user experience after at least onepuff event. TIhe proportions of cannabinoid source and additive beingmixed is selected such that the mixture has a viscosity below the vapedevice operating viscosity threshold while maintaining a flash pointabove the vaporization temperature.

In some embodiments, the herein described methods may further includefilling a liquid reservoir of a vape cartridge or vape pen with the vapeoil. The person of skill will readily realize that the step of fillingthe liquid reservoir may be performed by the same person formulating thevape oil or may be performed by another individual, for example. In thelatter case, the method of the present disclosure may include a furtherstep of releasing the vape oil such that another individual receivingthe vape oil can proceed to fill the liquid reservoir with the vape oil.

In a broad non-limiting aspect, the present disclosure relates to amethod for making a Cannabis-based vaping oil which is safe to use in avaping device. In other words, the vaping oil presents a low risk ofignition when it is vaporized by the heating element of the vapingdevice.

The potential of a liquid to ignite is determined by its flash point. Ifvaping oil is heated in a vaping device above the flash point of themixture, it becomes ignitable, hence not safe to use. In thoseconditions, a malfunction of the vaping device can cause the vaping oilto catch fire and burn the user.

Traditional nicotine-based vaping oils do not present a risk of ignitionbecause their flash points are above the vaporization temperature ofnicotine. In other words, when the nicotine-based vaping oil is heatedat a vaporization temperature, its temperature remains below the flashpoint of the mixture. Therefore, the mixture cannot ignite even if amalfunction of the vaping device occurs.

The flash point of a mixture is determined by the flash point of theindividual ingredients that make up the mixture. In the case of typicalnicotine-based vaping oils, the additives used (VG, PEG or PG) have muchhigher flash points than the temperature at which nicotine vaporizes.Accordingly, nicotine-based vaping oils do not present a safety risk,irrespective of the respective proportions of the constituents.

The present inventors have made the discovery that in contrast tonicotine-based vaping oils, Cannabis-based vaping oils are notinherently safe Cannabis-based vaping oils provide a vast palette ofdesirable composition options in terms of taste and physiological and/orpsychoactive effect on the user, but that variability also creates alack of consistency in the potential for ignition. Hence somecompositions which may have beneficial effects in terms of userexperience, may actually not be safe to use it a vaping device.

The present application teaches that one of the implications of usingsuch additives (i.e., having a flash point below the vaporizationtemperature of the cannabinoid) is that, if too much of it is used, itwill operate to reduce the overall flash point of the vape oil to belowthe vaporization temperature of the cannabinoid contained in the vapeoil. Accordingly, when the vape oil is used in a vape device, in whichit is heated at or above the vaporization temperature of the cannabinoidcontained in the vape oil, the flash point of the vape oil will beexceeded, which presents a safety risk due to combustion risk.

In other words, the technical challenge faced by the inventors was howto balance a desired composition of vape oil containing a cannabinoidwhich achieves a desired user experience such as taste (provided by aparticular additive) and a desired physiological and/or psychotic effect(provided by a particular cannabinoid) with user safety, i.e., low riskof sustained combustion and the absence of thinning agents that mayrepresent a health risk.

1. Additive Compound

In a practical implementation, the additive includes a compound whichoperates to lower the viscosity of a mixture of the cannabinoid sourceand the additive, and has a flash point which is below the vaporizationtemperature of the cannabinoid in the Cannabis concentrate.

Examples of additives that are typically used with nicotine-containingor THC-containing vape oils have a flash point above the vaporizationtemperature include Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin (VG), PolyethyleneGlycol (PEG), and Propylene Glycol (PG). Objectively, those compoundsare not desirable because they are suspected to potentially producetoxic and carcinogenic impurities as a result of the thermaldecomposition when vaporizing the vape oil. For example, on Sep. 6,2019, the FDA issued a Safety Information and Adverse Event Report inwhich the FDA stated “[w]hile the FDA does not have enough datapresently to conclude that Vitamin E acetate is the cause of the lunginjury in these cases, the agency believes it is prudent to avoidinhaling this substance. Because consumers cannot be sure whether anyTHC vaping products may contain Vitamin E acetate, consumers are urgedto avoid buying vaping products from the street, and to refrain fromusing THC oil or modifying/adding any substances to products purchasedin stores.” The present specification thus provides an alternative tosuch undesirable additives.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the additive of the present disclosurecan be a single material or a blend of different materials. Optionally,the rate of addition of the additive to the cannabinoid source can beadjusted according to expected storage or the vape device's operationalparameters.

In an advantageous non-limiting embodiment, a single additive is addedto the cannabinoid source. This simplifies the manufacturing of the vapeoil and may increase regulatory approval likelihood by local regulatorybodies. However, it is also conceivable for two or more differentadditives to be added to the Cannabis concentrate, especially whenparticular further advantageous properties are to be obtained. Forexample, a first additive having a flash point above the vaporizationtemperature may be used together with a second additive having a flashpoint below the vaporization temperature. In such situation, the overallproportion of cannabinoid source required to obtain a suitable flashpoint for the whole mixture may not be as high compared to the situationwhere the additive(s) has (have) a flash point below the vaporizationtemperature. Accordingly, less cannabinoid source may be required tohave a vape oil with suitable flash point, although the person of skillmay still wish to include higher proportion of cannabinoid source inother to increase potency of the vape oil, i.e., increase theconcentration of cannabinoid(s) in the vape oil.

In non-limiting embodiments, the vape oil containing a cannabinoid ofthe present disclosure includes a mixture of the cannabinoid source andthe additive, where the cannabinoid source and the additive are presentin respective proportions such that the vape oil has a viscosity at roomtemperature which is below the viscosity threshold (i.e., maximumworking viscosity) of a vape device. For example, the vape device mayhave a viscosity threshold of ≤150 000 mPa-s, or ≤125 000 mPa-s, or ≤110000 mPa-s, or ≤100 000 mPa-s, or ≤95 000 mPa-s. For example, the vapedevice may have an operational viscosity range of from 1000 to 110 000mPa-s.

While a vape device may have a specification relating to the ceramiccore characteristics which allow use of a vape oil having low viscosityvalues (e.g., 1000 mPas-s), however, in some embodiments, use of suchlow viscosity values for a vape oil may not be desirable, in particularwhen leakage of vape oil may occur through the airflow system resultingin subpar user experience or, even of more concern, when leakage of vapeoil may occur through lower parts of the vape cartridge exposing thevape oil to the battery compartment (e.g., ignition source). In somecases, it may thus be desirable to formulate and design vape oilcontaining a cannabinoid with reasonable viscosity values, e.g., in therange of from 4000 to 100 000 mPa-s, or up to 90 000 mPa s, or up to 80000 mPa s, or up to 70 000 mPa s, or up to 60 000 mPa s, or up to 50 000mPa-s, and the like.

For example, in order to obtain such vape oil, the cannabinoid sourceand the additive can be present in respective proportions such as ≥20wt. %, or ≥30 wt. %, ≥40 wt. %, ≥50 wt. %, ≥60 wt. %, ≥70 wt. %, ≥80 wt.%, ≥90 wt. %, ≥95 wt. %, or about 98 wt. % relative to the weight of thevape oil.

In non-limiting embodiments, the vape oil of the present disclosureretains sufficient free-flowing liquid properties to afford ease of usewith the vape device.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the additive is of plant origin.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the additive can be, but without beinglimited to, one or more terpene(s) or essential oil(s). For example, theadditive may include one or more of d-limonene, Orange sweet (Citrussinensis), b-myrcene, Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Fir (Abies siberica orAbies balsamea), Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis), lemon Lime Flavor,peppermint oil, and the like.

2. Cannabis

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes a number ofspecies. The number of species is currently being disputed. There arethree different species that have been recognized, namely Cannabissativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Hemp, or industrialhemp, is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grownspecifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. Hemp haslower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol(CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects.

The term “Cannabis plant(s)” encomPa-sses wild type Cannabis and alsovariants thereof, including Cannabis chemovars which naturally containdifferent amounts of the individual cannabinoids. For example, someCannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of THC, theprincipal psychoactive constituent responsible for the high associatedwith it and other strains have been selectively bred to produce highlevels of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids.

Cannabis plants produce a unique family of terpeno-phenolic compoundscalled cannabinoids, which produce the “high” one experiences fromconsuming marijuana. There are 483 identifiable chemical constituentsknown to exist in the Cannabis plant, and at least 85 differentcannabinoids have been isolated from the plant. The two cannabinoidsusually produced in greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and/orΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only THC is psychoactive.

Cannabis plants are categorized by their chemical phenotype or“chemotype,” based on the overall amount of THC produced, and on theratio of THC to CBD. Although overall cannabinoid production isinfluenced by environmental factors, the THC/CBD ratio is geneticallydetermined and remains fixed throughout the life of a plant. Non-drugplants produce relatively low levels of THC and high levels of CBD,while drug plants produce high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.

3. Cannabinoid

A cannabinoid is generally understood to include any chemical compoundthat acts upon a cannabinoid receptor such as CB1 and CB2. A cannabinoidmay include endocannabinoids (produced naturally by humans and animals),phytocannabinoids (found in Cannabis and some other plants), andsynthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially).

Examples of phytocannabinoids include, but are not limited to,cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerolmonomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromene (CBC),cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolmonomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidivarin (CBDV),cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC),delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A),delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionolic acid B (THCA-B),delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4),delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV),delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-C1), delta-7-cis-isotetrahydrocannabivarin, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC),cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabielsoin (CBE),cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4),cannabivarin (CBV), cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1),cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodiarin (CBVD), cannabinodivarin (CBVD)cannabitriol (CBT), 10-ethoxy-9hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol,8,9-dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabiriolvarin (CBTV),ethoxy-cannabiriolvarin (CBTVE), dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF),cannabifuran (CBF), cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabicitran (CBT),10-oxo-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC),delta-9-cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC),3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propy-2,6-methano-2H-1-benoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV), cannabiripsol (CBR),trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), cannabinol propylvariant (CBNV), and derivatives thereof.

The terms “cannabidiol” or “CBD” are generally understood to refer toone or more of the following compounds, and, unless a particular otherstereoisomer or stereoisomers are specified, includes the compound“Δ²-cannabidiol.” These compounds are: (1) Δ⁵-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-5-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol)(2) Δ⁴-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-4-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol);(3) Δ³-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol);(4) Δ^(5,7)-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methylenecyclohex-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol);(5) Δ²-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol):(6) Δ¹-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol);and (7) Δ⁶-cannabidiol(2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-6-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-pentyl-1,3-benzenediol).

Examples of synthetic cannabinoids include, but are not limited to,naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles,naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, cyclohexylphenols,rerrametllylcyclopropylindoles, adamantovlindoles, indazolecarboxamides, and quinolinyl esters.

A cannabinoid may be in an acid form or a non-acid form, the latter alsobeing referred to as the decarboxylated form since the non-acid form canbe generated by decarboxylating the acid form. Within the context of thepresent disclosure, where reference is made to a particular cannabinoid,the cannabinoid can be in its acid or non-acid form, or be a mixture ofboth acid and non-acid forms.

4. Terpene/Terpenoid

Terpenes are produced by a large variety of plants. As used herein,terpenes include terpenoids.

Terpenes may be classified in various ways, such as by their sizes. Forexample, suitable terpenes may include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, ortriterpenes. At least some terpenes are expected to interact with, andpotentiate the activity of, cannabinoids.

Examples of terpenes known to be extractable from Cannabis includearomadendrene, bergamottin, bergamotol, bisabolene, borncol, 4-3-carene,caryophyllene, cincole/cucalyptol, p-cymene, dihydroj asmone, elemene,farnesene, fenchol, geranylacetate, guaiol, humulene, isopulegol,limonene, linalool, menthone, menthol, menthofuran, myrcene,nerylacetate, neomenthylacetate, ocimene, perillylalcohol, phellandrene,pinene, pulegone, sabinene, terpinene, terpineol, 4-terpineol,terpinolene, and derivatives thereof.

Additional examples of terpenes include nerolidol, phytol, geraniol,alpha-bisabolol, thymol, genipin, astragaloside, astaticoside, camphene,beta-amyrin, thujone, citronellol, 1,8-cineole, cycloartenol, andderivatives thereof.

Further examples of terpenes are discussed in US Patent Application Pub.No. US2016/0250270, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

5. Cannabinoid Source

In one embodiment, the cannabinoid source includes a semi-syntheticcannabinoid. The manufacture of cannabinoid compounds and their analogsusing semi-synthetic means involves contacting an appropriate substratewith one of the cannabinoid synthase enzymes. For instance,tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or its analogs can be manufacturedsemi-synthetically by contacting cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) or anappropriately substituted derivative of CBGA with THC synthase to obtainthe corresponding THCA or THCA analog respectively. Other means formanufacturing semi-synthetically cannabinoids may involve, for example,cell culture of genetically modified cells, which have been modified soas to produce cannabinoids.

In another embodiment, the cannabinoid source is obtained by anextraction process from plant materials, such as a Cannabis plant(including hemp). Several extraction processes are known in the art.

Extraction in natural products chemistry is a separation processcomprising the separation of a substance from a matrix of naturalmaterials and includes liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extractionand what is commonly referred to as super-critical extraction. Thedistribution of any given compound or composition between two phases isan equilibrium condition described by partition theory. This is based onexactly how the desired material moves from a first solution, typicallywater or other material capable of dissolving a desired material with afirst solubility of the desired material, into second material,typically an organic or other immiscible layer having a secondsolubility of the desired material layer. Super-critical (supercritical)extraction involves entirely different phenomenon and will be describedbelow.

There exist several types of extraction, including liquid-liquidextraction, solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, Soxhletextraction, fizzy extraction and super-critical CO₂ (supercriticalcarbon dioxide) extraction.

In a first option, one may extract plant materials using CO₂ extraction(under subcritical or super-critical conditions) in order to obtain thecannabinoid source. Advantageously, in this option, the process isexempt of a winterization, evaporation or distillation step so as toretain some waxes and/or terpenes endogenously present in the plantmaterials. Subcritical CO₂ defines CO₂ at the state between 5-10° C.(278.15-283.15K, 41-50° F.) and a pressure of between 800-1500 psi(54.43-102.06 atm, 5.51-10.24 MPa). At this temperature and pressure,CO₂ behaves as a thick fluid. When temperature and pressure conditionsare increased and surpass the critical temperature (304.25 K, 31.10° C.,87.98° F.) and critical pressure (72.9 atm, 7.39 MPa, 1,071 psi), theCO₂ expands in the container like a gas but with a density like that ofa liquid. This is known as supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂ orSC—CO₂). Subcritical CO₂ extraction uses low temperature and lowpressure and thus takes more time. Subcritical CO₂ extraction givessmaller yields and can might retain some terpenes and oils. Forsupercritical CO₂ extraction, higher temperatures and higher pressuresare applied, which can damage terpenes and other phytochemicals.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,700,368 generally describesextraction/purification of cannabinoids or cannabinoid acids from anyplant material known to contain such cannabinoids or cannabinoid acids,such as wild type Cannabis sativa and also variants thereof, includingCannabis chemovars (varieties characterised by virtue of chemicalcomposition) which naturally contain different amounts of the individualcannabinoids, also Cannabis sativa subspecies indica including thevariants var. indica and var. kafiristanica, Cannabis indica and alsoplants which are the result of genetic crosses, self-crosses or hybridsthereof. For example, US 2004/0049059 generally describes a method forproducing an extract from Cannabis plant matter, containingtetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and optionally the carboxylic acidsthereof, from industrial hemp and from drug-producing hemp.

In a second option, one may extract plant materials using polar solventextraction (e.g., ethanol, butane, etc.). Advantageously, this processis also exempt of a winterization, evaporation or distillation step soas to retain some waxes and/or terpenes endogenously present in theplant materials, which can operate as the herein described solubilizingaiding agent.

With respect to these first and second options, when the preparationprocess is exempt of a winterization, evaporation or distillation step,the cannabinoid source will still include some waxes and/or terpeneswhich are endogenously present in the hemp or Cannabis plant material.The presence of these waxes and/or terpenes can have the benefit ofbeing able to operate as a solubilizing aiding agent. The presence ofsuch compounds in the resulting cannabinoid source, however, may renderthe cannabinoid source too viscous for use in a vape device and also mayimpart a dark color to the vape oil, which makes the cannabinoid sourceless visually attractive for direct use in a vape device that typicallyhave clear liquid reservoir for holding the vape oil. In order to renderthe cannabinoid source more suitable for use in the vape device, thecannabinoid source can be diluted in an additive/carrier oil (e.g., atleast one thereof) which is less opaque and less viscous than thecannabinoid source.

In one embodiment, when the cannabinoid source is obtained by extractionfrom Cannabis plant materials (including hemp) through an extractionprocess exempt of a winterization step, the cannabinoid source is, thus,exempt of a winterization solvent, e.g., ethanol. An objective manner toassess whether the cannabinoid source is prepared from a process exemptof such winterization step is to measure the amount of winterizationsolvent (e.g., ethanol) present in the cannabinoid source prior tomixing with the additive/carrier oil. In one embodiment, the hereindescribed cannabinoid source is, thus, free from winterization solvent.Another practical way of assessing whether the cannabinoid source isprepared from a process exempt of such winterization step is todetermine whether the cannabinoid source still includes endogenous plantwaxes and/or terpenes which are typically removed through thewinterization step.

In a third option, one may include one or more purification steps afterone of the above extraction steps, such as a winterization step,evaporation step and/or a distillation step. For example, U.S. Pat. No.7,700,368, US 2004/0049059 and US 2008/0167483, which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety, each describes a processfor extracting cannabinoids from hemp or Cannabis plant material usingCO₂ extraction followed by ethanol winterization to remove waxes. Inanother example US 2016/0346339, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety, describes a process for extracting cannabinoids from hempor Cannabis plant material using solvent extraction followed byfiltration, and evaporation of the solvent in a distiller to obtain adistillate. Implementing these processes is said to result in acannabinoid having a chromatographic purity of greater than 99%.

In this third option, the endogenous waxes and/or terpenes are removedby the purification step(s) and one obtains a cannabinoid source whichcan be substantially one or more pure cannabinoid(s). Such cannabinoidsource can be in crystal form or in semi-solid form (highly viscouscomposition) such that it is not suitable for direct use in the vapedevice. In order to make the cannabinoid source suitable for use in thevape device requires dilution in an additive/carrier oil which is lessviscous.

One or more of the above discussed options may include a decarboxylationstep performed prior to or after the extraction step. Thisdecarboxylation step is optional in that at least some portion of thecannabinoid present in the vape oil may be decarboxylated during use inthe vape device due to the high vaporization heat applied to the vapeoil in the device.

Viscosity values for cannabinoid sources extracted from Cannabis or hempplant materials have been reported in the art, for example: WO2017180660describes CBD 80%, 60° C.: 1240 mPa-s, CBD 80%, 70° C.: 670 mPa-s, THC80%, 60° C.: 5830 mPa-s, THC 80%, 70° C.: 2200 mPa-s; Rheosense(Rheometer manufacturers) have an application note on analyzingcannabinoid oils where they have measured viscosities at 25° C. between10 000 to 80 000 mPa-s using an unspecified shear rate between 60-200Hz; Monica Vialpando, Ph.D.—Pharmaceutical Development, Vialpando LLCymade a presentation entitled Pharmaceutical Formulation TechnologiesApplicable to Cannabis Product Development at the Emerald Conference2018 (available on line), where the viscosity of THC was reported at 25°C. to be 100 000 mPa-s.

In some embodiments, the cannabinoid source includes one or morecannabinoid(s).

For example, the cannabinoid source may include a mixture oftetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The w/w ratio of THCto CBD in the vape oil may be about 1:1000, about 1:900, about 1:800,about 1:700, about 1:6010, about 1:500, about 1:400, about 1:300, about1:250, about 1:200, about 1:150, about 1:100, about 1:90, about 1:80,about 1:70, about 1:60, about 1:50, about 1:45, about 1:40, about 1:35,about 1:30, about 1:29, about 1:28, about 1:27, about 1:26, about 1:25,about 1:24, about 1:23, about 1:22, about 1:21, about 1:20, about 1:19,about 1:18, about 1:17, about 1:16, about 1:15, about 1:14, about 1:13,about 1:12, about 1:11, about 1:10, about 1:9, about 1:8, about 1:7,about 1:6, about 1:5, about 1:4.5, about 1:4, about 1:3.5, about 1:3,about 1:2.9, about 1:2.8, about 1:2.7, about 1:2.6, about 1:25, about1:2.4, about 1:2.3, about 1:2.2, about 1:2.1, about 1:2, about 1:1.9,about 1:1.8, about 1:1.7, about 1:1.6, about 1:1.5, about 1:1.4, about1:1.3, about 1:1.2, about 1:1.1, about 1:1, about 1.1:1, about 1.2:1,about 1.3:1, about 1.4:1, about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, about 1.7:1, about1.8:1, about 1.9:1, about 2:1, about 2.1:1, about 2.2:1, about 2.3:1,about 2.4.1, about 2.5:1, about 2.6:1, about 2.7:1, about 2.8:1, about2.9:1, about 3.1, about 3.5:1, about 4:1, about 4.5:1, about 5:1, about6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, about 10:1, about 11:1, about12:1, about 13:1, about 14:1, about 15:1, about 16:1, about 17:1, about18:1, about 19:1, about 20:1, about 21:1, about 22:1, about 23:1, about24:1, about 25:1, about 26:1, about 27:1, about 28:1, about 29:1, about30:1, about 35:1, about 40:1, about 45:1, about 50:1, about 60:1, about70:1, about 80:1, about 90:1, about 100:1, about 150:1, about 200:1,about 250:1, about 300:1, about 400:1, about 500:1, about 600:1, about700:1, about 800.1, about 900:1, or about 1000:1.

6. Vape oil

The vape oil of the present disclosure includes a high concentration ofa cannabinoid. For example, the vape oil can include, but without beinglimited to, at least 300 mg/ml, or at least 350 mg/ml, or at least 400mg/ml, or at least 450 mg/ml, or at least 500 mg/ml, or at least 550mg/ml, or at least 600 mg/ml, or at least 650 mg/ml, or more of thecannabinoid.

The vape oil may include more than one cannabinoid. In such case, thevape oil may include relatively high concentrations of all suchcannabinoids or, alternatively, of only one. In other words, the vapeoil may include a high concentration (≥300 mg/ml) of one cannabinoid anda low concentration (≤30 mg/ml) of another cannabinoid, oralternatively, the vape oil may include a high concentration (≥300mg/ml) of all cannabinoids contained therein.

In some embodiments, the vape oil includes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In some embodiments, the vape oil includes cannabidiol (CBD).

In some embodiments, the vape oil includes more than one cannabinoid,e.g., THC and CBD.

In some embodiments, the vape oil includes delta-8 THC and delta 9-THC.

7. Vape Device

The vape oil of the present disclosure can be used in any suitablecartridge component of a vape device.

For example, FIG. 1 is a plan view of a non-limiting example of acartridge 100 component of an electronic vape device. The cartridge 100includes a vapor outlet 50 at one end thereof, which includes a tip 40and sidewalls 20 and 25, which could be sides or parts of the samecylindrical sidewall in some embodiments.

The cartridge 100 further includes a liquid reservoir 60 for containingthe vape oil which includes the cannabinoid. The vapor outlet 50, inaddition to sealing an end of an interior space of the liquid reservoir60, also provides a mouth-piece portion through which a user can drawvapor from the electronic vape device. The mouthpiece could be tapered,as shown, or otherwise shaped for a user's comfort. The presentdisclosure is not limited to any particular shape of the vapor outlet50.

The vapor outlet 50 could be made from one or more materials includingmetal, ceramic, wood, or a combination thereof. However, other materialscould also or instead be used.

The liquid reservoir 60 holds the vape oil prior to vaporization. Theliquid reservoir 60 includes outer walls 10 and 15, which could be asingle wall such as a cylindrical sidewall. The outer walls 10 and 15 ofthe liquid reservoir 60 could be made from one or more transparent ortranslucent materials, such as medical grade glass, in order to enable auser to visibly determine the quantity of vape oil in the chamber.

The liquid reservoir 60 engages the vapor outlet 50, and could becoupled to the vapor outlet 50, via an engagement or connection at 116.A gasket or other sealing member could be provided between the liquidreservoir 60 and the vapor outlet 50 to seal the vape oil in the liquidreservoir 60.

Although some liquid reservoir are “non-reclosable” (or sealable) andcannot be opened after initial filling, others are reclosable chambersin which the engagement at 116, between the vapor outlet 50 and theliquid reservoir 60, is releasable. For example, the vapor outlet 50could be a cover that releasably engages the liquid reservoir 60 andseals a vape oil in the liquid reservoir 60, thereby preventing the vapeoil from leaking out of the liquid reservoir 60. A releasable engagementcould include, for example, a threaded engagement or other type ofconnection, or an abutment between the liquid reservoir 60 and the vaporoutlet 50, without necessarily an actual connection between the chamberand the vapor outlet. Such a releasable engagement permits the vaporoutlet 50 to be disengaged or removed from the liquid reservoir 60 sothat the chamber can be cleaned, emptied, and/or filled with a vape oil,for example. The vapor outlet 50 could then re-engage with the liquidreservoir 60 to seal the vape oil inside the chamber.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a stem 110 inside the liquid reservoir 60. Thestem 110 is a hollow tube or air channel through which vapor can bedrawn into and through vapor outlet 50. The stem 110 may also bereferred to as a central column, a central post, a chimney, a hose or apipe. Materials such as stainless steel, other metal alloys, plasticsand ceramics could be used for stems such as the stem 110. The stem 110couples the vapor outlet 50 via an engagement or connection (not shown).The stem 110 may include at its base one or more intake holes (notshown) having a suitable opening size, such as for example 1.2 or 1.6mm.

In one embodiment, screwing the vapor outlet 50 onto the stem 110 couldalso engage the vapor outlet 50 with the liquid reservoir 60, orsimilarly screwing the vapor outlet 50 onto the liquid reservoir 60could also engage the vapor outlet 50 with the stem 110.

FIG. 2 shows a battery compartment 200 that includes supplies power tothe cartridge 100. The battery compartment 200 engages, and could alsobe coupled to the cartridge 100 via a female engagement 130 definedwithin a receiving body 120, which receives a male thread 30 present atan end of the cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the engagement 130 andthread 30 is a releasable engagement. However, in some embodiments, thiscould be a fixed connection. In some embodiments, the thread 30 may takethe form of a 510 thread, which typically may include a connector havinga length of 5 mm and having 10 threads. In the embodiment shown, thereleasable engagement enables removal or disengagement of the batterycompartment 200 from the cartridge 100 to permit recharging of thebattery contained within the elongated body 110 of the batterycompartment 200 or permuting the battery compartment 200 with anotheridentical or different battery compartment 200′.

The battery compartment 200 generally includes circuitry to supply powerto the cartridge 100. For example, the battery compartment 200 couldinclude electrical contacts that connect to corresponding electricalcontacts with the battery. The battery compartment 200 could furtherinclude electrical contacts that connect to corresponding electricalcontacts in the cartridge 100. The battery compartment 200 could reduce,regulate or otherwise control the power/voltage/current output from thebattery. However, this functionality could also or instead be providedby the battery itself. The battery compartment 200 could be made fromone or more materials including metals, plastics, elastomers andceramics, for example, to carry or otherwise support other basecomponents such as contacts and/or circuitry. However, other materialscould also or instead be used.

The battery compartment 200 includes sidewalls 140 and 141, a bottom 142and a button 144. The sidewalls 140 and 141, could be a single wall suchas a cylindrical sidewall. The battery compartment 200 could includesingle-use batteries or rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ionbatteries. The battery compartment 200 powers the vape device and allowspowered components of the vape device, including at least the cartridge100, to operate. Other powered components could include, for example,one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers or other indicatorsof device power status (on/off), device usage status (on when a user isdrawing vapor), etc. In some embodiments, speakers and/or other audibleindicators could produce long, short or intermittent “beep” sounds as aform of indicator of different conditions.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the vapor outlet 50, the liquidreservoir 60, the stem 110, and the battery compartment 200 arecylindrical in shape or otherwise shaped in a way such that sidewallsthat are separately labeled in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 could be formed by asingle sidewall. In these embodiments, the sidewalls 140 and 141represent sides of the same sidewall. Similar comments apply to outerwalls 10 and 15, and sidewalls 20 and 25, and other walls that are shownin the drawings and/or described herein. However, in general, vaporoutlets, liquid reservoirs, stems, cartridges, battery compartments thatare not cylindrical in shape are also contemplated. For example, thesecomponents could be rectangular, triangular, or otherwise shaped.

It should be appreciated, that the example cartridge 100 and the examplebattery, compartment 200 are solely for the purpose of illustration.Other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, the vape devicecould be a multi-chamber device vape device or a pen-and-pod device ascommercialized by PAX (e.g., the PAX Era™).

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another example vape device 300.Reference number 301 in FIG. 3 generally designates a vape device tank,with a ceramic core 302 coupled to a chamber 303 that stores a vape oil.The vape device tank 301 is powered by a power source (e.g., a battery)inside a compartment 305 that physically and electrically connects tothe vape device tank. In some implementations, the vape device 300 has acontrol system (not shown) for controlling the supply of power from thepower source to the vape device rank 301.

During use, the vape oil from the chamber 303 flows or seeps into theceramic core 302, which heats the vape oil using a heating element (notshown) enough to atomize or vaporize the vape oil, thereby producingvapor. The vapor can be drawn out of the ceramic core 302 through a stem304 and out of the vape device 300 through a mouthpiece 306. Thestructure and operation of the vape device 300 are consistent with thoseof the example vape device in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is presented as afurther example to illustrate another shape and form factor of a vapedevice. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented inconjunction with these and/or other types of vape devices.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example vape device tank 400 includinga ceramic core 402. The vape device tank 400 is shown with a sectionremoved so that internals of the vape device tank can be seen. In theillustrated example, the vape device tank 400 and the ceramic core 402are cylindrical m shape. The vape device tank 400 can be implemented ina vape device, a non-limiting example of which are shown in FIG. 3. Itis to be understood that the vape device tank 400 is a very specificexample and is provided for illustrative purposes only.

In some implementations, as shown in the illustrated example, the vapedevice tank 400 has a chamber 407 for storing the vape oil including thecannabinoid. The chamber 407 is cylindrical in shape and at leastpartially surrounds the ceramic core 402, and as in fluid communicationwith the ceramic core via an inlet 401. During use of the vape devicetank 400, the ceramic core 402 receives the vape oil from the chamber407 through the inlet 401. In other implementations, there is no suchinlet 401 or chamber 407, and the vape oil is supplied to the ceramiccore 402 by other means such as manual application by a user, forexample.

The ceramic core 402 has a heating element 404 at least partiallyembedded therein. The heating element 404 heats the ceramic core andproduces a vapor from the vape oil. More generally, a heating elementcould be coupled to a ceramic core in other ways, such as being coupledto a surface of the ceramic core. A physical characteristic of theceramic core 402, such as density or porosity, enables the vape oil toflow through the ceramic core, particularly when the vape oil has beenheated by the heating element 404 to reduce its viscosity.

Many ceramics include a combination of ingredients, for example water,resin and other binders. Many ceramics also include a combination ofoxides and/or nitrides such as those formed by compounds of aluminum,lead, silicon, boron, magnesium, and titanium for example. Some notableexamples include aluminium oxide, silicon nitride, beryllium oxide, andaluminum nitride. In some applications, these compounds may be combinedwith oxides of nickel manganese, cobalt, and/or iron. Silica may also beused in microporous ceramics. In some embodiments, a ceramic core may bemade from 99Al₂O₃, 97Al₂O₃, sapphire and/or ZrO₂. The ceramic core 402,as well as the other ceramic cores disclosed herein, could be formed ofdifferent combinations of ingredients to achieve different physicalcharacteristics such as porosity or density, for example, to obtain aplurality of nanoscale holes.

In some implementations, the vape device tank 400 has an element orcomponent to feed the vape oil to the ceramic core 402. An example ofsuch an element or component is a wick as shown at 403, disposed betweenthe ceramic core 402 and the chamber 407. In some implementations, thewick 403 is made from cotton or any other suitable material that has alower porosity than the ceramic core 402. In some implementations, theporosity of the wick 403 is high enough so that the vape oil can easilyflow through and make contact with the ceramic core 402 even without anyheating from the heating element 404 embedded in the ceramic core. Thewick 403 may help provide more even contact between the vape oil and theceramic core 402. In other implementations, a vape device tank has nosuch wick 403.

In some implementations, the heating element 404 is a coil heater with anumber of coil turns or loops embedded in the ceramic core 402. Three ofthese coil turns or loops are identified by an oval in the illustratedexample, but more coil turns or loops are visible in FIG. 4. The numberof coil turns or loops is implementation specific. Other examples ofheaters or heating elements are also provided herein.

The coil heater 404 is embedded into the ceramic core 402 duringmanufacture of the ceramic core in some embodiments. The ceramic core402 has a heat capacity, and thus embedding the coil turns or loops inthe ceramic core can help to avoid a faulty situation in which the coilturns or loops directly contact the vape oil and become too hot, burningrather than vaporizing the vape oil or at least certain components ofthe vape oil.

A channel 405 is in fluid communication with the ceramic core 402 toreceive vapor from the ceramic core. The ceramic core 402 at leastpartially surrounds the channel 405. In some implementations, theheating element 404 is positioned closer to an inside or interiorportion of the ceramic core 402 and closer to the channel 405 as shown,such that the vape oil may reach progressively higher temperatures as itflows through the ceramic core towards the channel 405. When the vapeoil flowing through the ceramic core 402 is sufficiently heated, it isatomized or vaporized to produce a vapor, which can be drawn out throughthe channel 405. In other implementations, the heating element 404 ispositioned in a middle portion of the ceramic core 402. In otherimplementations, the heating element 404 is positioned outside of theceramic core 402 and around or in the channel 405.

The temperature at which the vape oil is vaporized to produce the vapormay depend on any one or more of a number of factors such as the vapeoil being used, the cannabinoid to be vaporized, thermal conductivity ofthe ceramic core 402, and/or thermal conductivity of the vape oilitself. As a specific example, the temperature at which the vape oil isvaporized may be around 300° F. or higher. In a specific example, thetemperature of the vape oil should not exceed 600° F. or else it mayburn.

During use, the heating element 404 heats up the ceramic core 402 andgenerates vapor by vaporizing the vape oil flowing through the ceramiccore. The vapor can be drawn out through the channel 405, and an airinlet 406 is disposed beneath the ceramic core 402 to facilitate airflowfor the channel 405. In some implementations, the heating element 404 ispowered by a power source (not shown) and controlled by a control system(not shown). In some implementations, the power source and the controlsystem are disposed in a compartment that physically and electricallyconnects to the vape device tank 400. Such connections includeelectrical connections (not shown) between the heating element 404 andthe power source and/or the control system.

9. Practical Implementations

With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a practical implementation of amethod 500 of manufacturing a vape device for vaping a cannabinoid, suchas a vape oil cartridge or vape pen in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In step 510, one is provided with the vapedevice, where the vape device is characterized with operating parametersfor vaping a vape oil, for example, a vape oil containing a cannabinoid.Example of such operating parameters may include, for example, ceramiccore porosity and mass transfer characteristics, heating elementresistance, working range of vape oil viscosity, volume for liquidreservoir, and the like. Optionally, one is not provided with the actualphysical vape device, but rather, one can be provided with only one ormore relevant operating parameters of the vape device, for example.Optionally, one is not provided with the actual physical vape device orwith the operating parameters of the vape device, but rather, onedetermines the one or more relevant operating parameters of the vapedevice based on information stored in an electronic database,information provided by the vape device manufacturer, and the like.

In step 550, one formulates the vape oil containing the cannabinoid atleast based on one or more relevant operating parameters of the vapedevice obtained and/or determined in step 510. Step 550 may include, forexample, selecting a cannabinoid source including a cannabinoid, thecannabinoid having a vaporization temperature, the cannabinoid sourcehaving a viscosity at room temperature which is above the viscosity atroom temperature suitable for use in the vape device and having a flashpoint above the vaporization temperature. Step 550 may further includeselecting an additive having a viscosity below the vape oil viscosityand having a flash point below the vaporization temperature, theadditive operating to lower the viscosity of the cannabinoid source andoperating to lower a flash point of a mixture of the cannabinoid sourceand the additive. Step 550 may further include mixing the cannabinoidsource and the additive in proportions such that the additive is in aconcentration that (i) will reduce the viscosity of the cannabinoidsource sufficiently low for the mixture to be suitable for use in thevape device and (ii) while avoiding reducing the flash point of themixture below the vaporization temperature.

In step 590, one fills a reservoir of the vape device with the vape oilobtained in step 550, for example using a pipette.

The person of skill will readily realize that the step of filling thereservoir may be performed by the same person formulating the vape oilor may be performed by another individual, for example. FIG. 6illustrates a process 600 which implements the latter case. In thiscase, the process 600 also includes step 550 of formulating the vape oilcontaining the cannabinoid at least based on one or more relevantoperating parameters of the vape device obtained and/or determined aspreviously discussed. The vape oil is then packaged and released fortransportation to another location (e.g., at a 3^(rd) party). At thisother location, the vape oil is filled into the reservoir of the vapedevice in a step 650.

In another practical implementation, FIG. 7 illustrates a process 700whereby at step 555 one selects a cannabinoid source containing acannabinoid. This selection can be based on at least one of a customerrequest, a desired cannabinoid profile (e.g., a given ratio of THC toCBD), a desired user experience (e.g., high potency THC vs low potencyTHC), and the like. The cannabinoid source has a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in the vape device and the cannabinoid has a vaporizationtemperature. At step 560, one selects an additive having a flash pointbelow the vaporization temperature, the additive operating to lower theviscosity of the cannabinoid source and operating to lower a flash pointof a mixture of the cannabinoid source and the additive. At step 575,one mixes the cannabinoid source and the additive in predeterminedproportions so as to obtain a vape oil having a viscosity suitable foruse in the vape device and a flash point above the vaporizationtemperature.

In some embodiments, the amount of additive required to obtain asuitable flash point and viscosity for the mixture can bedetermined/selected based on an actual calculation of the suitableadditive concentration. In other embodiments, the amount of additiverequired to obtain a suitable flash point and viscosity for the mixturecan be determined/selected based on measurements of the viscosity usinga rheometer and/or of the flash point using a suitable ASTM test. Insome embodiments, the amount of additive required to obtain a suitableflash point and viscosity for the mixture can be determined/selectedbased on previously calculated and/or measured viscosity and flash pointvalues, e.g., looking up in an internal standard operating procedure(SOP) or in an internal database for a recipe that provides theproportions for a given formulation.

Other examples of implementation will become apparent to the person ofskill and for conciseness sake will not be further described here.

10. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinaryskill in the art to which the present invention pertains. As usedherein, and unless stated otherwise or required otherwise by context,each of the following terms shall have the definition set forth below.

For the purpose of this specification, the expression “viscositythreshold” in reference to the operating parameter for a vape devicemeans the highest viscosity value at room temperature for a vape oilwhich remains suitable for use in the vape device and allow proper useof that vape device, e.g., for properly feeding the vape oil through theceramic core of the vape device in order to vaporize the cannabinoidcontained in the vape oil while minimizing clogging of internalcomponents of the cartridge, for assisting with the performance of thevape device such as by preventing or minimizing leakage of the vape oilfrom the vape device when not m use, and optimizing the performance ofthe vape device and its delivery of the cannabinoid, and the like.

For the purpose of this specification, the expression “Cannabis oil”refers to an oil that contains a cannabinoid and that is in liquid format a temperature of 22±2° C.

For the purpose of this specification, the term “medium chaintriglycerides” or “MCT” refers to triglycerides with two or three fattyacids having an aliphatic tail of 6-12 carbon atoms, i.e., medium-chainfatty acids (MCFAs). Rich food sources for commercial extraction of MCTinclude palm kernel oil and coconut oil.

The term “vegetable glycerin (VG)” is also known in the art as“monoglycerol” or “glycerol”, generally obtained from plant and animalsources where it occurs as triglycerides.

The term “polyethylene glycol (PEG)” is also known in the art aspolyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyoxyethylene (POE), depending on itsmolecular weight and refers to a compound with the chemical formulaH—(O—CH₂—CH₂)_(a)—OH.

The term “propylene glycol” is also known in the art as propane-1,2-dioland refers to a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formulaC₃H₅O₂.

For the purpose of this specification, the term “of plant origin” isused interchangeably with “plant-based” or with “plant-derived” andrefers to a compound that is extracted or prepared from plant rawmaterial. In one embodiment, this compound can be synthetic.

For the purpose of this specification, the term “essential oil” does notmean indispensable as with the terms essential amino acid or essentialfatty acid which are so called since they are nutritionally required bya given living organism, rather, the essential oil is “essential” in thesense that it contains the “essence of” or “at least a portion of theessence of”, the plant's fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of theplant from which it is derived. Essential oils are generally extractedby distillation, often by using steam. Other processes includeexpression, solvent extraction, sfumatura, absolute oil extraction,resin tapping, wax embedding, and cold pressing. As such, in the presentdisclosure, essential oils are a concentrated hydrophobic liquidcontaining volatile aroma compounds from plants.

For the purpose of this specification, the term “flash point” refers tothe lowest temperature at which vapors of a material will ignite, whengiven an ignition source. Methods for determining the flash point of aliquid are specified in many standards. For example, testing by thePensky-Martens closed cup method is detailed in AST M D93, IP34, ISO2719, DIN 51758, JIS K2265 and AFNOR M07-019. Determination of flashpoint by the Small Scale closed cup method is detailed in ASTAM D3828and D3278, EN ISO 3679 and 3680, and IP 523 and 524.

For the purpose of this specification, the term “vaporizationtemperature” in reference to a cannabinoid means the temperaturerequired to vaporize the cannabinoid, e.g., the temperature at which thecannabinoid in the vape oil exposed to said temperature is convertedinto a vapor.

EXAMPLES

The following examples describe some exemplary modes of making andpracticing certain compositions that are described herein. It should beunderstood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only andare not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Example 1

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, anumber of vape cartridges or vape pens were used in order to test vapeoils prepared in the present application.

For example, an A3-C full ceramic vape cartridge (Transpring Technology,USA) can be used, having a full ceramic heating core, a 0.5 ml liquidreservoir, a resistance of 1.4/1.6Ω, and 1.2 mm/1.6 mm oil intake holesize. The liquid reservoir is made of medical grade glass and the restof the cartridge is made of chrome-plated brass. The cartridge includesa 510 thread for coupling with the battery compartment.

For example, a Jupiter Liquid 6 cartridge (Jupiter Research, Arizona,USA) can be used, having a CCELL Technology designed for high viscosityoils, porcelain ceramic mouthpiece, a 0.5 ml liquid reservoir, 2.0 mmoil intake hole size, nichrome heating element and a ceramic core. Thecartridge includes a 510 connection-M7 threaded connection for couplingwith the battery compartment.

Example 2

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, anumber of battery packs can be used with vape cartridges.

For example, an L0-A vape battery compartment (Transpring Technology)can be used 1. The L0-A vape battery has a capacity of 320 mAh, anoutput voltage of 2.6-4.0V with 3 adjustable voltages (green 2.6V, blue3.3V, red 4.0V), a preheating output of 1.8V, a preheating time of 15seconds, and 2 optional vaping ways: vape directly/vape withbutton-pressing.

For example, an L6 vape power supply (Jupiter Research) can be used. TheL6 vape power supply has a capacity of 340 mAh, a resistance of0.9-3.0Ω, and an activation time of 0-10 seconds.

Example 3

In order to be safe and, thus, suitable for vaping, the inventors soughtto identify an additive having a proper flash point, i.e., at least 200°F. (at least 93.3° C.). This is because a number of cannabinoids requiretemperatures of at least 200° F. in order to vaporize (e.g., CBD iswithin the range of 320-356° F., THC is about 315° F., CBN is about 365°F. such that having a Cannabis vape oil containing an additive with aflash point below 200° F. in proportions sufficient to reduce the flashpoint of the mixture to values below 200° F. would likely represent afire/explosion hazard when heated in the vaping device.

The inventors first set out to identify the flash point of a number ofcandidate additives. The following table 1A sets out the flash point ofthese candidate additives as reported in the literature:

TABLE 1A Candidate additive Flash point (° C.) D-limonene 45 Orangesweet (Citrus sinensis) 45 b-myrcene 39 Pine (Pinus sylvestris) 43 Fir(Abies siberica or Abies balsamea) 45 Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)43 lemon Lime Flavor 25 peppermint 69 Vegetable Glycerin USP 160Propylene Glycol 99

The flash point of a liquid can be tested according to known proceduresin the art, for example, for liquids that have a viscosity of less than5.8 nm²/s at 37.8° C., one can use ASTM D 56 or ASTM D 3828, and forliquids that have a viscosity of 5.8 mm²/s or more at 37.8° C., one canuse ASTM D 93 (where 1 mPa-s=1 cP=1 mm²/s).

The following table 1B sets out the vaporization temperature for anumber of cannabinoids as generally understood in the art:

TABLE 1B Cannabinoid Vaporization temperature (° F.) THCA 248 CBDA 266CBCA 284 THC (delta-9) 311 CBD 329 THC (delta-8) 347 CBN 365 CBE 383THCV 428 CBC 428

Except for vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG), none ofthe candidate additives has a flash point above the vaporizationtemperature of at least 200° F. (at least 93.3° C.). Note that thisvaporization temperature is in practice near the lower end of thevaporization range of certain cannabinoids as set out in table 1B. Inother words, for a faster and stronger effect on the human body a highervaporization temperature should be used, further amplifying the flashpoint differential and the attendant hazard.

Example 4

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, theinventors sought to better understand whether using additives typicallyused in nicotine-based vaping devices, was more suitable for using inthe Cannabis vape oil of the present disclosure.

The additives assessed are petroleum-based propylene glycol (PG) andpolyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400, and natural agents vegetable glycerin(VG) and medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Troutt and DiDonato (J AlternComplement Med. 2017 November, 23(11):879-884) report that heating theseoils at temperatures appropriate for Cannabis oil vaporization (e.g., at230° C.) resulted in formation of vapor containing harmful carbonyls,such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde. To test the levels ofthe three carbonyl compounds screened for, each thinning agent wasvaporized in 3 blocks of 25 ‘puffs’, for a total of 75 puffs per agent.Puffs were vaporized every 30 seconds, each for a duration of 4 secondsand a volume of 55 mL. The vapor was then analyzed usinghigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to individually measureamounts of acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde.

Analyses showed that PEG 400 produced significantly higher levels ofacetaldehyde and formaldehyde than PG, MCT, and VG. Formaldehydeproduction was also significantly greater in PG compared with MCT andVG. Acrolein production did not differ significantly across the agents.PG and PEG 400 produced high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehydewhen heated to 230° C. Formaldehyde production from PEG 400 isolate wasparticularly high, with one inhalation accounting for 1.12% of the dailyexposure limit, nearly the same exposure as smoking one cigarette.

These results are in line with those disclosed by Grana et al.,(Circulation, 2014; 129:1972-1986) where vapors produced from vapedevice using liquid material containing nicotine and propylene glycol(PG) with or without vegetable glycerin (VG) produced 0.2 to 5.61 μg offormaldehyde per puff, which while may appear safer than the 1.6 to 52μg of formaldehyde produced by one puff from a tobacco cigarette,nevertheless, has been perceived as not being ideal from a public healthpolicy perspective.

As such, the inventors have concluded that the PG, PEG and VG typicallyused in nicotine-based vaping devices are not without health risk whenused in a vape oil. Therefore, the vape oil of the present disclosure ispreferably devoid of any of PG, PEG and VG.

Example 5

The inventors discovered that even though an additive mixed with thecannabinoid source has a flash point below the desired vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source, nevertheless, owing to itsrelatively high flash point operates to increase the flashpoint of themixture such that it is above the desired vaporization temperature.Accordingly, it is therefore possible to provide a vape oil for vapingthat is safe, in terms of reducing the likelihood of explosion in thevape device that would otherwise result while being compatible with theoperating parameters of the vape device, e.g., that has a viscositywhich is in the proper range for use in a given vape device (below thethreshold viscosity).

The inventor used various mathematical models from the field ofthermodynamics to calculate the flashpoint of cannabinoids. (Hristovaand Tehaoushev, J. of University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy,41, 3, 2006, p. 291-296.) Several models were used to calculate themixture's flash point and their results compared. The person of skillwill realize that these calculations were made here instead ofproceeding with actually attempting to flash the mixture in a laminarhood because of obvious hazard risks (exploding on purpose a mixture).

The following table 2 sets out the outcome of these results, for anumber of vape oil formulations prepared by mixing a cannabinoid sourceobtained from a CO₂ extraction process and contained 2.14% THC and 84.6%CBD, which was not been winterized/distilled and diluted with 50 mlpeppermint oil at room temperature without heating.

TABLE 2 Cannabinoid THC CBD Flash point above source added concentrationconcentration vaporization (g) (mg/ml) (mg/ml) temperature? 6 5.1 93.3No 25 13.12 304 Yes 63 20.496 466 Yes 95 24.85 558 Yes 190 30.272 666Yes

To elaborate, adding 63 g of the cannabinoid source to 50 ml produced a113 g sample. In this sample, the peppermint oil weight is 41.25% andthe cannabinoid source weight is 55.75%. The calculations were madeusing the following average flash points: CBD (149° C.), THC (137° C.),and peppermint oil (75° C.).

The first calculation took into effect the contribution of CBD topeppermint oil, with the following equation: 1/(wt % CBD×CBD averageflash point)+(wt*% peppermint oil×peppermint oil average flash point).The first calculation gave a first calculated flash point of 93.69°C.—higher than the flash point of peppermint oil on its own. To thisfirst calculation, the inventors made a second calculation using asimilar formula by adding the contribution of THC, which resulted in asecond calculated flash point of 98.48° C.

The inventors then made a third calculation by taking into account theremaining cannabinoids and wax content present in the cannabinoid source(as determined from a certificate of analysis which determined the fattyacid content of the cannabinoid source using Gas Chromatography withFlame Ionization Detector [GC-FID]) in terms of their effect on theflash point; the inventors calculated that the contribution of theremaining cannabinoids was a factor of 1.68, which resulted in a thirdcalculated flash point of 157.39° C. (314.6° F.).

In performing these calculations, the inventors discovered that using atleast about 40 wt. % cannabinoid source relative to total weight of thepeppermint oil was ideal in terms of having a flash point for themixture which was suitable for using in a vape device at thevaporization temperatures. In other words, by increasing the relativeamount of Cannabis concentrate, the inventors were able to resolve theflash point issue observed with the additive on its own. This wassurprising and unexpected. The same calculations were repeated withd-limonene and similar results were obtained.

Example 6

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, theinventors sought to test the amount of cannabinoid which could besolubilized in a carrier oil with a cannabinoid source in presence of asolubilizing aiding agent. In this example, the solubilizing aidingagent is an endogenous component present iii the Cannabis plantmaterial, e.g., plant waxes and/or terpenes.

In this example, the cannabinoid source was obtained from a CO₂extraction process and contained 2.14% THC and 846% CBD, which was notbeen winterized/distilled and diluted with 50 ml peppermint oil at roomtemperature without heating.

TABLE 3 Cannabinoid Amounts of CBD Cannabinoid source cannabinoidsconcentration source to added (g) (g) (mg/ml) carrier oil (wt. %) 10.868 15.10 2.00 2 1.735 30.20 4.00 3 2.603 45.30 6.00 4 3.470 60.408.00 5 4.338 75.50 10.00 6.15 5.335 92.86 12.30 5.31 4.606 80.18 10.62 86.940 120.80 16.00 9 7.808 135.90 18.00 10 8.675 150.99 20.00 17.8815.511 269.98 35.76 20 17.350 301.99 40.00 29.34 25.452 443.02 58.68 4034.700 603.98 80.00 50 43.375 754.97 100.00 63.86 55.399 964.25 127.7295.72 83.037 1445.32 191.44 133.1 115.464 2009.74 266.20 190.76 165.4842880.38 381.52

The inventors discovered that by mixing a cannabinoid source withcarrier oil in presence of the solubilizing aiding agent, a vape oilhaving up to 2880 mg/ml CBD could be obtained, which still flows at roomtemperature and can still be pipetted in a pipette, i.e., meeting thedesired characteristic that the mixture remains liquid at roomtemperature.

The inventors repeated the experiment with a cannabinoid sourcecontaining THC and a cannabinoid source containing CBD and obtained afirst vape oil comprising 30 mg/ml of THC and 666 mg/ml CBD and a secondvape oil comprising 20 mg/ml of THC and 466 mg/ml CBD, where the firstand second vape oils each still have a suitable viscosity for use in thevape cartridge.

Example 7

Example 6 was repeated with the same cannabinoid source diluted with 100ml peppermint oil at room temperature without heating.

TABLE 4 Cannabinoid source Amounts of CBD concentration Concentrateadded (g) cannabinoids (g) (mg/ml) to oil (%) 20 17.35 150.99 20.00 4034.70 301.99 40.00 50 43.37 377.49 50.00 80 69.40 603.98 80.00

Example 8

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, thesteady-state viscosity values at various temperatures of differentcannabinoid sources (distillate following a CO₂ extraction process) wasmeasured using an MCR 92 from Anton Paar, with a 25 mm Cone-Platemeasuring geometry operated in rotational mode at 25° C. and a constantshear rate of 10 Hz (15 points across 45 seconds).

TABLE 5 Viscosity Distillate (mPa-s) Temperature and shear rate 80% pureTHC (distillate-02) 2 260 000 25° C. and γ′ = 10.0*1/s 80% pure THC(distillate-02) 55 979 (40° C.) Curve @ 20-80° C. | 2° per 1849.3 (60°C.) minute | γ′ = 50*1/s 220.54 (80° C.) 80% pure THC (distillate-03)266 000 25° C. and γ′ = 10.0*1/s 80% pure THC (distillate-03)  12987(40° C.) Curve @ 20-80° C. | 2° per 789.47 (60° C.) minute | y′ = 50*1/s125.62 (80° C.) 80% pure CBD (distillate-05) 40 500 25° C. and y′ =10.0*1/s 80% pure CBD (distillate-05)   3035 (40° C.) Curve @ 20-80° C.| 2° per  327.9 (60° C.) minute | γ′ = 50*1/s  73.94 (80° C.)

Example 9

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, anumber of additive blends were formulated for mixing with a cannabinoidsource. The flash point reported in the tables was obtained from atleast one of the U.S. National Library of Medicine PubChem Internetdatabase, Sigma-Aldrich Internet Catalog, Carl Roth Internet database,and the Chemical Book Internet database.

TABLE 6 Additive blend #1 Additive Flash Point (° F.) beta pinene  88natural myrcene 103 humulene (α-Caryophyllene) 194

The additives in blend #1 are present in a relative ratio of about2:1:1, i.e., humulene (α-Caryophyllene):beta pinene:natural myrcene.

TABLE 7 Additive blend #2 Additive Flash Point (° F.) humulene(α-Caryophyllene) 194 caryophyllene acetate 205

The additives in blend #2 are present in a relative ratio of about 1:1.

TABLE 8 Additive blend #3 Additive Flash Point (° F.) D-limonene 113humulene (α-Caryophyllene) 194

The additives in blend #3 are present in a relative ratio of about 2:1,i.e., humulene (α-Caryophyllene):D-limonene.

TABLE 9 Additive blend #4 Additive Flash Point (° F.) delta 3 carene 115humulene (α-Caryophyllene) 194 caryophyllene acetate 205

The additives in blend #4 are present in a relative ratio of about2:1:1, i.e., humulene (α-Caryophyllene):delta 3 carene:caryophylleneacetate.

TABLE 10 Additive blend #5 Additive Flash Point (° F.) natural myrcene103 humulene (α-Caryophyllene) 194 caryophyllene acetate 205

The additives an blend #5 are present in a relative ratio of about2:1:1, i.e., caryophyllene acetate:humulene (α-Caryophyllene):naturalmyrcene.

TABLE 11 Additive blend #6 Additive Flash Point (° F.) D-limonene 113humulene (α-Caryophyllene) 194

The additives in blend #6 are present in a relative ratio of about1.5:1, i.e., D-limonene:humulene (α-Caryophyllene).

TABLE 12 Additive blend #7 Additive Flash Point (° F.) orange terpenes120 Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinyl Butyrate 230

The additives in blend #7 are present in a relative ratio of about 1:1.

TABLE 13 Additive blend #8 Additive Flash Point (° F.) strawberryfuranone acetate 200 aldehyde c-16 200 (Ethyl Methyl Phenyl Glycidate)maltol isobutyrate 200

The additives in blend #8 are present in a relative ratio of about1:1:1.

TABLE 14 Additive blend #9 Additive Flash Point (° F.) Terpineolene 148orange terpenes 120 caryophyllene acetate 205

The additives in blend #8 are present in a relative ratio of about1.5:1, i.e., caryophyllene acetate:orange terpenes.

TABLE 15 Additive blend #10 Additive Flash Point (° F.) hexyl acetate113 allyl caproate 151 aldehyde c-18 (γ-Nonalactone) 235

The additives in blend #8 are present in a relative ratio of about 1:1.

TABLE 16 Additive blend #11 Additive Flash Point (° F.) orange terpenes120 maltol isobutyrate 200

The additives in blend #9 are present in a relative ratio of about 7:1,i.e., orange terpenes:maltol isobutyrare.

Example 10

The following table sets out a number of additives that can be used toformulate additive blends alongside their respective flash point.

TABLE 17 Additive Flash Point (° F.) aldehyde c-16 200 (Ethyl MethylPhenyl Glycidate) aldehyde c-18 (γ-Nonalactone) 235 allyl caproate 151alpha bisabolol 235 alpha phellandrene 117 alpha pinene 91 alphaterpinene 115 Alpha-Terpineol 194 amyl acetate 95 beta caryophyllene 214beta pinene 88 Beta terpinene 115 caryophyllene acetate 205 citral 195delta 3 carene 115 Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinyl Butyrate 230 d-limonene 113ethyl butyrate 78 gamma terpinene 125 geraniol 226 geranyl acetate 220hexenyl cis 3 acetate 135 hexyl acetate 113 humulene (α-Caryophyllene)194 isopropyl 2 methyl butyrate 91 linalool 184 maltol isobutyrate 200natural myrcene 103 nerol 226 orange terpenes 120 para cymene 117strawberry furanone acetate 200 Terpineolene 148 valencene 212

Example 11

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, theinventors mixed a number of the additive blends from Example 8 with acannabinoid source in various proportions to obtain a vape oil having asuitable viscosity fir use with a given tape cartridge that required aviscosity at 25° C. of less than a viscosity threshold of 110 000 mPa-sat 25° C., β′=10.0*1/s. The viscosity of was measured at 25° C.,γ′=10.0*1/s.

The cannabinoid source was obtained from a CO₂ extraction process withan additional distillation step.

TABLE 18 Additive [Additive] [Cannabinoid source] Viscosity blend (wt.%) (wt. %) (mPa-s) — — 100 (THC distillate-03) 2.66 × 10⁵ — — 100 (CBDdistillate-05) 40 500 1 12 58.6 (THC distillate-03) 24 700 29.3 (CBDdistillate-05) 2 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 13 430 3 12 66 (THCdistillate-03)  5 900 22 (CBD distillate-05) 4 12 88 (THC distillate-03)11 300 5 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 14 500 6 12 88 (THC distillate-03)  8400 7 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 11 200 8 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 26900 9 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 10 400 10  12 88 (THC distillate-03)  7200

The flash point was then calculated for each mixture and the proportionsof cannabinoid source and additive was adjusted if required to ensurethat the flash point of the mixture was above the vaporizationtemperature of the cannabinoid.

Example 12

In accordance with a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, theinventors mixed a number of terpenes with a cannabinoid source invarious proportions to test for the modulating effect of terpenes on theviscosity of cannabinoid distillate. The viscosity of the mixture wasmeasured at 25° C., γ′=10.0*1/s.

The cannabinoid source was THC obtained from a CO₂ extraction processwith an additional distillation step.

TABLE 19 [Cannabinoid [Terpene] source] Viscosity Terpene (wt. %) (wt.%) (mPa-s) — — 100  3.78 × 10⁵ Alpha Pinene 2 98 1.69 × 10⁵ Camphene 298 2.10 × 10⁵ Sabinene 2 98 1.45 × 10⁵ Myrcene 2 98 1.09 × 10⁵ BetaPinene 2 98 1.73 × 10⁵ Delta 3 Carene 2 98 1.38 × 10⁵ Phellandrene 2 981.46 × 10⁵ Para-Cymene 2 98 1.25 × 10⁵ Ocimene 2 98 71 000 Eucalyptol 298 3.16 × 10⁵

Example 13

In the present example, two mixtures of additive blends and cannabinoidsource from Example 8 were cooled down and the viscosity measured at 10°C. and γ′=10.0*1/s.

TABLE 20 Additive [Additive] [Cannabinoid source] Viscosity blend (wt.%) (wt. %) (mPa-s) 5 12 88 (THC distillate-03) 9.9 × 10⁵ 6 12 88 (CBDdistillate-05) 9.0 × 10⁵

While the examples illustrate embodiments with cannabinoid source havingcertain levels of CBD and/or THC, it will be apparent to the person ofskill that the same principles apply to a cannabinoid source havingdifferent levels of these cannabinoids, or having different cannabinoidsother than THC and/or CBD.

Other examples of implementations will become apparent to the reader inview of the teachings of the present description and as such, will notbe further described here.

Note that titles or subtitles may be used throughout the presentdisclosure for convenience of a reader, but in no way these should limitthe scope of the invention. Moreover, certain theories may be proposedand disclosed herein; however, in no way they, whether they are right orwrong, should limit the scope of the invention so long as the inventionis practiced according to the present disclosure without regard for anyparticular theory or scheme of action.

All references cited throughout the specification are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout thepresent specification, the term “a” used before a term encompassesembodiments containing one or more to what the term refers. It will alsobe understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the presentspecification, the term “comprising”, which is synonymous with“including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive oropen-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements ormethod steps.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions will control.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “around”, “about” or“approximately” shall generally mean within the error margin generallyaccepted in the art. Hence, numerical quantities given herein generallyinclude such error margin such that the terms “around”, “about” or“approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

Although various embodiments of the disclosure have been described andillustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light ofthe present description that numerous modifications and variations canbe made. The scope of the invention is defined more particularly in theappended claims.

1. Method of manufacturing vape oil including a cannabinoid, the vapeoil having a viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in a vapedevice, the method comprising: a) selecting a cannabinoid sourceincluding a cannabinoid, the cannabinoid having a vaporizationtemperature, the cannabinoid source having a viscosity at roomtemperature which is above the viscosity at room temperature suitablefor use in the vape device and having a flash point above thevaporization temperature; b) selecting an additive having a viscositybelow the vape oil viscosity and having a flash point below thevaporization temperature, the additive operating to lower the viscosityof the cannabinoid source and operating to lower a flash point of amixture of the cannabinoid source and the additive; c) determining aconcentration of additive that (i) will reduce the viscosity of thecannabinoid source sufficiently low for the mixture to be suitable foruse in the vape device and (ii) while avoiding reducing the flash pointof the mixture below the vaporization temperature; and d) mixing thecannabinoid source of a) and the additive of b) on the basis of theconcentration determined in c) to obtain the vape oil.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the vape oil includes cannabidiol (CBD).
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the vape oil includes ≥400 mg/ml of CBD.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the vape oil includes ≥550 mg/ml of CBD. 5.The method of claim 2, wherein the vape oil includes ≥650 mg/ml of CBD.6. The method of claim 5, wherein the vape oil includestetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the vapeoil includes ≥400 mg/ml of THC.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein thevape oil includes ≤30 mg/ml THC.
 9. The method of claim 8, thecannabinoid source being in a proportion of ≥40 wt. % relative to totalweight of the vape oil.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the additiveis an oil of plant origin.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the oilof plant origin includes a terpene.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe vaporization temperature is above 200° F.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the mixing is performed at room temperature without heating.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising incorporating a volume ofthe vape oil into a reservoir of a vape cartridge or a vape pen.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the vape cartridge includes a connector atone end thereof to engage with a battery compartment of a vape device.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the connector is a 510 thread. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the vape cartridge or vape pen comprisesa ceramic core for vaporizing the vape oil.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the viscosity at room temperature suitable for use in the vapedevice is ≤110 000 mPa-s.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the vapeoil includes more than one cannabinoid.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the vape oil includes more than one terpene. 21.-114. (canceled)